iPad Pro Why does iPad Pro software suck so much?

[ScottNWDW]

What exactly is a "Pro" app? I use several apps on my iPad in my "Professional" life as well as my personal life and they all work just as well as the Mac and in some cases Windoze counterparts. I have a 2018 iPad Pro and I actually prefer using the iPad over the desktops that I have access to (MacBook Pro and iMac at home and Windows desktops at work). So I am confused when you say pro apps.

Some of the apps I do use are...... Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Omnifocus, DayOne, Fantastical, OneNote, Goodnotes, 1Password, Todoist, Notes, Reminders, Numbers, Pages, Keynote and a few others. All of these apps, in one way or another contribute to my "Professional" life as well as my private life and my 2018 iPad PRO handles them without a problem and in many instances far better than their desktop counterparts.

So please explain to me what the hell is a "Pro" app. Please don't tell me about Final Cut Pro, everyone brings that up when they mention the M1 iPad Pro ir that it is the end all be all of computer software. Well honey, it's not. Not everyone that owns an iPad is a content creator, people in other professions use iPad Pros as well.

 

[vagos]

If you are one of those users who think iPadOS is not "powerful enough" or that iPadOS is "holding iPad back", please share your opinion with us. What would you do if you were in charge of iPadOS. What would you add, what would you change, what would you remove?

 

[baypharm]

Who is us?

 

[nStyle]

Proper multitasking and external display support are probably the two biggest ones. I mean there's tons of videos on this. When I think of "power user" though I'm thinking of being able to code and write scripts and automate certain tasks as well as tinker under the hood which of course is something you can't do at all and probably won't ever be able to.

I'll add that very few iPad apps are very useful compared to their web counterparts. Apps on a phone just feel way more useful. And when you need an app, it generally lacks a certain amount of functionality.

 

[The_Interloper]

Proper external display support (never mind multiple monitors) for one instead of some nonsense 4:3 mirroring. Who the hell has a 4:3 monitor now, anyway?

 

[Digitalguy]

What exactly is a "Pro" app? I use several apps on my iPad in my "Professional" life as well as my personal life and they all work just as well as the Mac and in some cases Windoze counterparts. I have a 2018 iPad Pro and I actually prefer using the iPad over the desktops that I have access to (MacBook Pro and iMac at home and Windows desktops at work). So I am confused when you say pro apps.

Some of the apps I do use are...... Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Omnifocus, DayOne, Fantastical, OneNote, Goodnotes, 1Password, Todoist, Notes, Reminders, Numbers, Pages, Keynote and a few others. All of these apps, in one way or another contribute to my "Professional" life as well as my private life and my 2018 iPad PRO handles them without a problem and in many instances far better than their desktop counterparts.

So please explain to me what the hell is a "Pro" app. Please don't tell me about Final Cut Pro, everyone brings that up when they mention the M1 iPad Pro ir that it is the end all be all of computer software. Well honey, it's not. Not everyone that owns an iPad is a content creator, people in other professions use iPad Pros as well.

The OP made no examples, but as far as I am concerned the main issue is that some apps (like Office apps) are limited versions of the desktops apps and many desktop apps have no equivalent. For example in the music field, which I know better than other fields you only have a fractions of the apps and libraries available for desktops systems and some of the existing ones are limited versions (for the reasons I mentioned earlier in this thread).

Having said that, the big issue IMO is not apps, it's OS features (that also limit the existence of some apps).
Just to give a few examples:
- Lack of full external monitor support
- Lack of full background apps, in particular real time automatic syncing of cloud services from a centralized file system
- Possibility to choose default apps
- Possibility to either use swap to disk or at least to peg apps to RAM
- Possibility to keep multiple instances of the same app open (e.g. 4-5 Word files)
- Possibility to run virtualized versions of other operating systems

 

[The Game 161]

Proper multitasking and external display support are probably the two biggest ones. I mean there's tons of videos on this. When I think of "power user" though I'm thinking of being able to code and write scripts and automate certain tasks as well as tinker under the hood which of course is something you can't do at all and probably won't ever be able to.

I'll add that very few iPad apps are very useful compared to their web counterparts. Apps on a phone just feel way more useful. And when you need an app, it generally lacks a certain amount of functionality.

Sure multitasking could be better like pop up windows. One area it needs to have or 3-4 apps open at once but the new features in iOS 15 are better than we have now

 

[clarencek]

Some of the apps I do use are...... Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Omnifocus, DayOne, Fantastical, OneNote, Goodnotes, 1Password, Todoist, Notes, Reminders, Numbers, Pages, Keynote and a few others. All of these apps, in one way or another contribute to my "Professional" life as well as my private life and my 2018 iPad PRO handles them without a problem and in many instances far better than their desktop counterparts.

I find it hard to believe that you’re more productive in Excel on an iPad than Excel on desktop.
I can’t think of any use case where it’s easier to do work on an iPad in excel than desktop - editing formulas, multi-select, pivot tables, formatting, charts, copy paste from other files, etc. it’s all more clicks or more steps on an iPad.

 

[sparksd]

I find it hard to believe that you’re more productive in Excel on an iPad than Excel on desktop.
I can’t think of any use case where it’s easier to do work on an iPad in excel than desktop - editing formulas, multi-select, pivot tables, formatting, charts, copy paste from other files, etc. it’s all more clicks or more steps on an iPad.

Plus there's the shortcoming of missing functionality in the iOS version. I'd hate to work on any complex worksheet on my 12.9 Pro; simple ones are OK.

 

[Jaekae]

The “iPad Pro” line should really be a portable/touch extension of MacOS.

All ipads already is, i use logic remote as extension to logic and use sidecar to make it a extension to desktop photo editing apps like capture one and photoshop, like a wacom tablet
And think it can be useful as extension for video editing in final cut also

 

[Flabasha]

If you are one of those users who think iPadOS is not "powerful enough" or that iPadOS is "holding iPad back", please share your opinion with us. What would you do if you were in charge of iPadOS. What would you add, what would you change, what would you remove?

A filesystem we can actually look at, for one. I’ve lost plenty of files on my iPadPros, files that are unfindable within the “Files” app.

 

[sparksd]

A filesystem we can actually look at, for one. I’ve lost plenty of files on my iPadPros, files that are unfindable within the “Files” app.

Yeah, I use FileBrowser Pro as a general purpose file manager.

 

[ScottNWDW]

I find it hard to believe that you’re more productive in Excel on an iPad than Excel on desktop.
I can’t think of any use case where it’s easier to do work on an iPad in excel than desktop - editing formulas, multi-select, pivot tables, formatting, charts, copy paste from other files, etc. it’s all more clicks or more steps on an iPad.

Maybe you need to sit down and actually try and use Excel on the iPad. All of what you mentioned, with the exception of creating pivot tables are do-able in Excel on the iPad. If you create a pivot table on the desktop it is available in the iPad. Besides, in my line of work pivot tables aren't all that important. In regards to copy and paste I can copy something on my phone or Mac, and paste it in something on my iPad. Not only through apps, but devices. Additionally, in my line of work the iPad is used as a portable extension of the desktop. I can use it with guests in the lobby, with co-workers in back of the house or out in the other public areas, I can even do a few things while on break in the coffee shop or cafeteria. So PROFESSIONALLY for me the iPad Pro does EVERYTHING that I am able to do on my desktop computer without having to be tied to the desktop.

 

[Treyp75]

I knew what I was getting myself into as I own 3 older iPad’s, but I am just curious why software on the iPad Pro is so terrible. Is it because it is very difficult to develop on iOS due to the restrictions Apple has put in place (and thus this will never be solved)?

The iPad brings as much revenue if not more than all Mac‘s combined, so it cannot be due to market share.

If it is due to iOS restrictions which makes it hard for developers to create great software, then Apple should allow dual booting to OS X.

I will bet some people will say to just use remote access. But what is the point of buying a M1 chip while not using it.

It doesn't help that iPadOS is BARELY an upgrade from iOS. Considering the hardware (M1, 16GB RAM, good graphics...) it should be able to tackle a lot more than it does. Starting with its operating system. But Apple has decided in their Trillion Dollar Wisdom to hobble the devices and we eat it up and pay for it. Several ways.

 

[cupcakes2000]

It doesn't help that iPadOS is BARELY an upgrade from iOS. Considering the hardware (M1, 16GB RAM, good graphics...) it should be able to tackle a lot more than it does. Starting with its operating system. But Apple has decided in their Trillion Dollar Wisdom to hobble the devices and we eat it up and pay for it. Several ways.

These sorts of comments are hilarious.

The fact we’re all on the same os, with the same apps and some of us can use it properly and other can’t - says a lot more more about anyone posting comments like this than of anything else.

If you’re not able to utilise the system to take advantages of its many benefits over a traditional system, then that’s fine - but it’s your issue.

Many many people can and do. The ones that can’t and don’t should just realise that and not worry about it.

 

[iPadified]

Amazing how many that do not understand the difference between an operating system and an app. We need more complex apps, not a more complex iPadOS.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Amazing how many that do not understand the difference between an operating system and an app. We need more complex apps, not a more complex iPadOS.

Someone on these forums once replied to something similar with something along the lines of

“Ok - if the iPad is so good then tell me what it can do better than a traditional computer - and I don’t mean drawing or media or art or taking notes - I mean ‘normal computer things”

I mean, ‘tell me what’s good about an iPad - but you’re not allowed to include the very reasons why an iPad excels over a traditional system’

You can’t make it up. Talk about completely missing the point.

 

[iPadified]

Someone on these forums once replied to something similar with something along the lines of

“Ok - if the iPad is so good then tell me what it can do better than a traditional computer - and I don’t mean drawing or media or art or taking notes - I mean ‘normal computer things”

I mean, ‘tell me what’s good about an iPad - but you’re not allowed to include the very reasons why an iPad excels over a traditional system’

You can’t make it up. Talk about completely missing the point.

The psychology behind this is strange. Can’t understand it either. I can understand dual booting possibilities but why iPadOS should work like MacOS is beyond me. The iPad is a tactile computing device while Macs are not. To fit the tactile interactions, the iPadOS is app centered instead of document centered. iPadOS is sometime frustrating but so is MacOS.

 

[bondr006]

Personally, I prefer my iPad Pro over my Mac Mini for my main computer use. I run my real estate businesses with the iPad, and even replaced my MBP with it. It has cut my work flow drastically, and made using a computer for work fun again. All the things I do are just easier and more intuitive than on a laptop, which seems cumbersome by comparison. Yeah iPad OS needs improvement but tell me which OS does not.

I do know quite a few people that don't want to, or have no interest in taking the time to find out what the iPad can really do. Some are intimidated at the thought of using a new operating system, some are happy with what they have always used and just don't want to learn a new OS, and some are just perfectly fine with the iPad being their media consumption device. These are all ok, but it doesn't change the fact that the iPad is a very capable device that can and has replaced a laptop for a large minority of people. I myself am pretty excited, happy, and proud of the fact that at 61 years old, I learned a new OS on a device that has replaced my need for a traditional laptop.

It's funny that the roles are reversed for me with my hardware. Most people that have iPads and Macs use the iPad as the secondary or entertainment device. My Mac Mini is my secondary or entertainment device with the iPad Pro being a business first device. My iPad Pro truly replaced my MacBook Pro for my Real Estate businesses. I am actually proud of myself for finding a way to reduce my workflow and make my work fun again. iPads are wondrous and diverse tools that serve a wondrous and diverse world.

The links in my signature tell my story of how I replaced my MBP with my iPP and some of the things you can do with the iPad. Here are some excerpts.

"I create and work with contracts, pdf's, and documents on a daily basis. It is so much easier, convenient, and more intuitive to use the iPad for the work I do. In fact, I would go so far as to say, in my opinion the laptop is limiting and cumbersome compared to the iPad Pro for the type of work I do. Jeeze, even the camera on it is good enough to use for most of the photos I need for a property listing. It streamlined my workflow, and has definitely made my work more fun."

"Working with a product that you like to use is an important key in business. No need for a dedicated camera or scanner anymore. I also use it for handwritten and typed notes, daily planning, task management, to-do's, email, web browsing, phone calls, messages, entertainment, reading books, play an occasional game, and the list goes on. I use a bunch of realty specific web apps and services but have a few others that I really like."

"Now that I have used the iPad Pro for work, there is no going back to a laptop."

Read the rest in the links in my signature.

 

[jagolden]

I knew what I was getting myself into as I own 3 older iPad’s, but I am just curious why software on the iPad Pro is so terrible. Is it because it is very difficult to develop on iOS due to the restrictions Apple has put in place (and thus this will never be solved)?

The iPad brings as much revenue if not more than all Mac‘s combined, so it cannot be due to market share.

If it is due to iOS restrictions which makes it hard for developers to create great software, then Apple should allow dual booting to OS X.

I will bet some people will say to just use remote access. But what is the point of buying a M1 chip while not using it.

Just saying iPad Pro software is lousy, you need to justify that. Which software is so bad?
If you, as so many in these posts, are complaining about the iPad OS, that’s a whole different category, and I agree, the iPadOS could be much more friendly.
As to applications, what’s the issue?
My iPP works VERY well for my uses; writing, photo retouching, compositing, drawing, etc. using Affinity apps, Pages and Numbers for the time being, and occasionally day-to-day stuff like movies.
Usually,though, for the small day to day, I’ll use the iPad Mini.

 

[JahBoolean]

Proper multitasking and external display support are probably the two biggest ones. I mean there's tons of videos on this. When I think of "power user" though I'm thinking of being able to code and write scripts and automate certain tasks as well as tinker under the hood which of course is something you can't do at all and probably won't ever be able to.

I'll add that very few iPad apps are very useful compared to their web counterparts. Apps on a phone just feel way more useful. And when you need an app, it generally lacks a certain amount of functionality.

Why the hell would anyone in their right mind want to code on a tablet, take the iPad as what it is, a media consumption device with robust pen support. Shoehorning a workflow that requires another tool entirely is idiotic at best.

Universal control / sidecar rocks, most apps are simply iOS app with resized assets and the use cases that would warrant unique solutions have already been explored by the Concepts and GoodNotes of the world.

And arguing for platform convergence is either naiveté or bad faith.

 

[TechRunner]

I do know quite a few people that don't want to, or have no interest in taking the time to find out what the iPad can really do.

I appreciate you calling out my mother-in-law. Maybe I can shame her into taking a bit more ownership in learning how to use her iPad if I start my conversation by showing her this post

 

[bondr006]

Why the hell would anyone in their right mind want to code on a tablet, take the iPad as what it is, a media consumption device with robust pen support. Shoehorning a workflow that requires another tool entirely is idiotic at best.

Universal control / sidecar rocks, most apps are simply iOS app with resized assets and the use cases that would warrant unique solutions have already been explored by the Concepts and GoodNotes of the world.

And arguing for platform convergence is either naiveté or bad faith.

When I got rid of my MBP and started using my iPP, my workflow was cut by 15 to 20%. No shoehorning involved. In fact I started wearing smaller shoes. And the extra tool, in my case was my MBP which I sold because my iPP easily replaced it. And about media consumption, my Mac Mini is my main media consumption device while my iPP is my main work device. So for you an iPP for work may be idiotic. For me it reduced my work flow, is easier to carry around, does my real estate work in less steps than a laptop, and made working with a computer fun again.

Your shoe fits you. My shoe fits me, and I like my new smaller shoes.

 

[JahBoolean]

When I got rid of my MBP and started using my iPP, my workflow was cut by 15 to 20%. No shoehorning involved. In fact I started wearing smaller shoes. And the extra tool, in my case was my MBP which I sold because my iPP easily replaced it. And about media consumption, my Mac Mini is my main media consumption device while my iPP is my main work device. So for you an iPP for work may be idiotic. For me it reduced my work flow, is easier to carry around, does my real estate work in less steps than a laptop, and made working with a computer fun again.

Your shoe fits you. My shoe fits me, and I like my new smaller shoes.

And I'm delighted that you have found an arrangement you are fond of.

I refer you to the argument I was building my response towards, and the aformentioned "power-user" workflow which would require some deep rework of the OS instead of the simple adoption of glorified web-apps.

Given that Apple has very cleverly built a clear demarkation between lineups out of sheer business acumen (given the now identical bare metal). Hence the naiveté (or bad faith) expressed when asking for a rework of the ipadOS/ update to a fully fledged macOS.

An iPP will never accomodate the needs of a power user natively. This is out of design.

I would love to be proven wrong by the jailbreaking community, but I'm not holding my breath.

P.S. I like to walk barefoot, the world is my oyster after all. ?

 

[bondr006]

I guess "power user" can be interpreted different ways by different people. I find it very powerful to be able to use less steps with my iPP in my real estate work. Using a device that takes less steps to accomplish the work I need to do is not only powerful but also enlightening. I consider myself a power user in my business and the work I do, as I do a ton of work daily, and the iPP just makes that work quicker and more fun. The fact that it's a different user experience(OS) and hardware interface (tablet computer) that a lot of people are either intimidated by or haven't discovered how to use to its full potential yet, doesn't negate the fact that to many people it is a powerful device that can make a powerful difference in their daily lives and the way they do their work. To me the laptop was cumbersome for my work and took power away from me that the iPad gave back.